RallyNorth.net

Beverly Boys Ice Hockey Preview

Last year's record: 11-5-5 (lost to Newburyport, 3-1, in Division 2 North first round)

Coach: Bob Gilligan (5th year, 38-27-8)

Key returnees: Mike Boches, Sr. RW (7-4-11); Alex Baker, Sr., D (6-11-17); Chris Bushey, Sr. LW (6-6-12); Jack Leathersich, Sr. C (7-6-13); C.J. Cacciatore, Soph. G (11-4-5, 1.48 GAA, 3 SHO); Connor Walsh, Sr. D (0-1-1); Kyle Irving, Sr. C (1-4-5); Chris Freni, Sr. RW (3-1-4); Bryan Spencer, Soph. LW (2-3-5); Jack Liacos, Soph. C (1-2-3); Tyler Albano, Soph. RW (1-0-1).

Key departures: Alex Boches, LW; Jake Konaxis, C; Andrew Eriksen, D.

New faces: Tony Walsh, Fr. G; Mitch Hamor, Fr. D.

Captains: Chris Bushey and Mike Boches

They're all set with: Attitude, depth and team defense. The Panthers know what they are: a team that needs to grind it out for 45 minutes each night and be responsible in their own zone if they want to win. To a man, they have bought into this system and can play it to perfection. They need help with: Scoring and size. The Panthers won't physically manhandle anyone with their size and need to avoid that happening to them. Finding the net with frequency early on is a must for a team that had trouble scoring a year ago.

Coach's outlook: "I think we're going to be OK. We've got a good group of kids to work with, including some talented younger kids to go along with the veterans."